January 29, 2019

Despite a "warm up" (odd choice of words!) to the record breaking frigid weather we are having this week, the Minnesota Winter Super Silver Tourney in New Brighton turned out a pretty good crowd. Competitors enjoyed pair/team games, 499er games, plus a Swiss Friday night. Saturday, the final day of play, had two 2-session games; one for Life Masters and one for non-LM's.

When all the events concluded, one guy earned the most masterpoints: Kerry Holloway. Kerry snagged 35.33 masterpoints in 7 sessions of play. Your webmaster, Kerry's partner for all but one event, was 2nd with 32.26. Joe Koster, Gary Knippenberg, Tom Knier, Barry Purrington, Carole Miner, Mike Cassel and Frank Knier rounded out those who earned over 20 masterpoints.

Let us not forget, either, our two fine directors: Bjorgvin Kristinsson and Kim Hayward. Integral for a smooth running tournament!

And - a final fun feature of our tournament - our young super star, Ben Kristensen, who competed for a couple of events. Did a lot of us wish to get our photo taken with our uber-talented college player? You bet they did! (Gotta stand in line to be in the limelight with Ben!)

Thanks to everyone for braving the icy roads and elements to enjoy our favorite game! More photos below!

January 23, 2019

Amongst our players in Rochester, we have a very talented artist - in all mediums. During December, she had distributed handmade earrings to all the women in our club!

So, we decided to have a "June Darring Appreciation Days" for June on January 21 and January 24!

In addition to being a talented artist, she makes convention card covers which she offers to bridge players. June keeps the money to cover costs of production but donates the rest to our club treasury. You may have seen her table at our Rochester Sectional.

As an I/N player, we have discovered a gem!!!! Her heart is huge, she loves bridge, and it's our excellent good fortune to have this individual become an active part of RDBC.

The picture shows June, in red, seated in the middle of the of the "ladies" on January 21, Monday afternoon - 16 tables ( 10 open, 6, 0-300).

During the well attended and very well run MN Autumn Sectional, Unit 103 held a board meeting.

Big focus was given to creating an environment to make our game fun and welcoming for all players!

Unit 103 encourages players to be respectful and positive to all. If players have questions or concerns about any aspect of our bridge community, or suggestions as to how to improve, please contact a board member.

Bridge is the greatest game! And the Board wants everyone to have the greatest time enjoying it!

Thanks to all our volunteers who work diligently to make our game as excellent as possible!

September 24, 2018

As promised, gorgeous fall colors highlighted the drive to the Paul Bunyan Sectional. And - adding color to the picture were two pairs who earned over twenty masterpoints through the weekend. Terry and Kathy Beckman were at the top of the list with exactly 25 masterpoints. Well done!

And - also earning over 20 masterpoints were Mike Cassel and Barry Purrington; 21.65. The full list of points earned can be found here.

Another beautiful sight to be hold was this one; Terry Lijewski with Diane Carr, our tournament chairman. As many of you know, Terry has battled some serious health issues lately. So, everyone was delighted to see Terry At the Table and enjoying himself!

Our thanks to Diane, Director Tony Ames, partnership chair Tess Schirmer and all the others who contributed to this fine September sectional.

Results for the rest of the tourney can be viewed here. And more photos are below the line. My thanks for receiving them from the tournament!

April 10, 2018

Avid bridge players from Minnesota and regions beyond battled wind, rain and snow to attend the Rochester Spring Sectional! With excellent hospitality, a presentation from John Koch and fun events, this was a wise decision by all.

As always, we are grateful to our organizers, volunteers, director and caddies. Co-chairs Linda and Tom Grigoleit performed admirably at their first tournament foray, as did everyone else who contributed.

One of our bridge divas shows her stuff!

And a special nod to Paul Meerschaert, our newest Platinum Life Master! As reported here, Paul and Rob Schacter had a fabulous tournament at the Spring NABC. The oodles of points they won put Paul over the 10,000 masterpoint holding necessary for Platinum!

Congrats to Paul - and - to all our other players who enjoyed this well attended spring regional in Rochester!

April 25, 2017

We are doubly fortunate with Unit 103's Awards Party that honored 2016 Mini McKenney and Ace of Clubs achievers! Both Sandy Casey and Steve Gaynor sent run downs on this fine event - along with sets of photos, too.

As Unit 103 encompasses much of Minnesota, attendees included many in the Twin Cities, plus healthy contingents from St. Cloud, Rochester, Duluth, Morehead and other cities.

Unit 103 President recognized winners after everyone enjoyed a fine lunch. Our thanks to Warren, event coordinator Kathy Beckman, Judy Holdenbach for her efforts with feeding the masses and Kim Hayward for her fine directing of the 26 table game.

We appreciate everyone who made this special event a success - along with our intrepid reporters for their contributions, too!